DDA announced the 28th round of easement selections by Aglands Preservation, preserving 40 farms and 2,262 acres of farmland. With this announcement, the Carney administration has preserved 403 farms. To read the full press release, visit tinyurl.com/423bjup7.

While driving around, you might notice a crop that looks similar to corn but is shorter and has a different top! It is sorghum, a nutrient-rich cereal grain. Sorghum is low in fat but high in protein. The brown, seemingly fluffy top is made up of 1,500 - 2,500 seeds.

Our Delaware Forest Service manages and maintains primitive campsites at Blackbird State Forest and Redden State Forest, which are available by registration. Reserve your camping date and campsite at agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service….

Today is World Honey Bee Day! Honeybees are vital for the health of our ecosystems and the production of crops. A single honeybee can pollinate about 5,000 flowers a day!

Throwback Thursday: This is a snapshot of a Guernsey dairy cattle herd at Delhaven Farm, a family farm near New Castle, Delaware, in 1932. Family farms are still the backbone of Delaware agriculture, with over 95% of farms in Delaware being family-owned and operated.

Going to a farmers market is a great activity to do with your family before the school year starts! It is an opportunity to learn where your food comes from and meet your local farmers. Check out delawaregrown.com to find a farmers market near you!

Peaches are in season at local farmers markets across Delaware! A delicious peach can make your day a little sweeter. Grab one today!

As the seasons begin to change, so do our dinner menus! Produce is seasonal, and now is a great time to discover new recipes using Delaware Grown products. Visit delawaregrown.com to search for recipes by season, ingredient, or meal type!

Do you miss the fair yet? I know we sure do! The 2024 Delaware State Fair was a great success, with lots of fun! Now, it is time to mark your calendars for next year. The 2025 Delaware State Fair will be from July 17 to July 26. We can’t wait to see you there!

Happy Labor Day! Nothing is better than local sweet corn to add to your Labor Day Weekend picnics and BBQs! Remember to thank your local farmers for all their hard work. In celebration of Labor Day, our offices will be closed today and reopen tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.

FFA chapters are associated with middle schools and high schools. FFA is an intracurricular organization, which means it works in tandem with agriscience classes and their curriculums. Students develop premier leadership skills and experience personal growth and career success!

Pumpkin and apple season is coming soon! Baking delicious pies and baked goods with local produce just got easier. So, do you prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie? Tell us in the comments below!

With the increase of wild geese and ducks in the flyway, there is an increased risk of Avian Influenza spreading throughout our flocks. Be sure to follow biosecurity protocol to protect your flocks!

There are community groups that support DE’s family farms and agriscience students, and make efforts to preserve the agricultural industry. Groups such as the Delaware State Grange, FFA Alumni chapters, and the Delaware Farm Bureau meet regularly, host events, and volunteer.

Adult spotted lanternfly are reaching the point in their life cycle where they will begin to lay egg masses that will hatch next spring. Spotted lanternfly lay egg masses on trees and other smooth outdoor surfaces. If you see them, destroy them.

This week is National Farm Safety and Health Week! Our farmers are vital to our communities, and we want to raise awareness about the safety and health of those working in agriculture. This week, we will share resources and information regarding the well-being of our producers!

Farm equipment travels on the roads often during the harvesting season. Drivers must reduce speed, ensure they can clearly see oncoming vehicles, and move cautiously near tractors and farm vehicles.

Being involved in the agricultural industry can bring added stress that other careers may not. It’s important to develop skills to help navigate difficult times.

It is important to perform preventative maintenance on farm equipment regularly to prevent malfunctions. When you inspect or work on a piece of equipment, remember to turn it off. Be sure to wear the proper clothing and protective equipment!

Grain handling is a high-hazard activity where workers can face serious injury and death. Whenever possible, don’t enter a grain bin. If you must enter the bin, be sure to wear the right equipment and work in pairs to prevent grain entrapment and engulfment.